A New Era in China-U.S. Relations

Our leaders have learned that it is better to be partners than rivals.

By

Sun Guoxiang

Jan. 15, 2014 7:18 p.m. ET

On Jan. 1, 1979, in the midst of the Cold War, China and the United States entered into official diplomatic relations. Thirty-five years later, both countries enjoy one of the most important and dynamic relationships in the world, surpassing nearly all expectations.

In 1979, bilateral trade was $2.5 billion; last year it hit $500 billion. Today 10,000 people travel across the Pacific each day, compared with 10,000 each year 35 years...